Tackling a bigger problem.

Actually tackling is the problem. Somehow there is a belief in many parts of soccer parentage and amongst their offspring that soccer is a non-contact sport. If that was the case then tackling, slide, block or poke would only be an intellectual exercise, and something just thought of by soccer philosophers, "if only there was some way to get the ball off of the foot of that striker? Maybe if we had some technique that would block a shot, or take the ball off of their foot, and appendage that would do it. If only...."

The video below is the above  philosophy put into action

So after all of the to'ing and fro'ing, what is tackling all about? It is about tackling a bigger problem. Interrupting the attack of an individual player in possession of a soccer ball (you can't tackle a player without a ball as that is a major foul and is much frowned upon).

Tackling takes three major forms, and all three forms require physical contact, and commitment on the part of the player.

The three types of tackles are:

1. The poke tackle

2. The block tackle

3. The slide tackle.

The first two tackles are relatively simple, but require patience, poise, balance and timing. They also require determination.

This Week

THE POKE TACKLE

This is what it says, the defender looks for an opportunity to poke the ball away from the player with the ball, usually someone who is dribbling.

I will break it down as though the defender is in front of the attacker, and is between the attacker and the net.

1.Firstly he must slow the attacker down by jockeying. He must get close, but not too close, (arms length), and keep his eye on the ball. The defenders weight must be on his toes and one foot must be forward. The defender should be turned slightly and not square on to the defender as it is easier for the attacker to get around the defender, or "nut meg" the defender by playing the ball between his legs.

2. Watch the ball, stay on your toes, wait, wait, wait, and then lunge forward and with your front foot POKE the ball away. A long way away if possible. This requires that the defender commits to a hard challenge on the ball and possibly collide with the attacker.

The collision is fine so long as the ball is contacted first, but the poke must be strong enough to disrupt the attacker. I recommend that the defender then try to take possession of the ball and ultimately go on the attack.

A simple session to develop this skill is to set up a 15 x 15 grid and inside have six players, four with a ball each and two without. Have those  in possession dribble and those without poke tackle the ball off their feet. To be a proper tackle, the ball must leave the grid (this encourages stronger pokes!). Have a competition and see which group of two clears the most balls from the grid. Using a square gives the players an opportunity to jockey as well as tackle from the side. The session also encourages dribbling and shielding on the part of the dribbler. If you think a "losing" squad needs to do a forfeit, have them do push or press ups as upper body strength is always in fashion for defending and shielding.

Now a moment of Liverpool promotion--------Stevie G!!!!!

Next week, the block tackle, and more Liverpool greatness